Figure 3. Reconstruction of metabolic networks from large-scale ‘omics’ data implicates drug transporters in metabolic pathways.

a | One type of computational approach based on ‘omics’ data for connecting transporters and metabolic pathways is schematically represented. In this strategy, transcriptomic data derived from transporter knockout mice are analysed using genome-scale metabolic reconstruction tools^{159,174–177}. This approach can be used to support a potential linkage between a specific transporter and certain metabolic pathways that can be further validated by in vitro and other assays. Metabolomics data from knockout mice are also very valuable for supporting predictions. An approach related to this was used to link SLC22A6 (OAT1)-mediated transport to several metabolic pathways¹⁷⁷. A number of other approaches have also been developed¹⁷⁴ (not shown). b | The type of combined computational–wet-lab approach schematized in part a, once performed for multiple ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and solute carrier (SLC) drug transporters, may enable novel interpretations of the role of drug transporters in whole-body physiology, as well as in intracellular metabolism in specific tissues.